Q&A: how practitioners can use civilian strategists

Why should a military practitioner take a non-practitioner strategist seriously?

Because a good strategist offers convincing analysis and can translate between military practitioners and political decision-makers.

Practitioners may initially distrust advice from people without service experience, but capable officers can still recognize analysis that makes sense and helps solve real problems. A civilian strategist can also interpret military requirements for politicians and explain political constraints back to officers. The relationship does not require obedience, but it does require serious listening on both sides.